Brian Schottenheimer’s first year as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys was already shaping up to be a considerable challenge. The nature of any new position for a rookie implies obstacles. The situation became even more complicated on Thursday, when the Cowboys finalized a trade that sent their star pass rusher, Micah Parsons, to the Green Bay Packers. In return, they received two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark. However, this move could bring good news for Schottenheimer. The expectations for the season, which begins on Thursday against the Philadelphia Eagles, are low. According to projections, the Cowboys have a 28.2% chance of reaching the playoffs, an 11.5% chance of winning the NFC East, and only a 1.1% chance of lifting the Lombardi trophy. If the Cowboys exceed expectations, at least external ones, Schottenheimer could find himself in a favorable position. In case the team does not deliver, Schottenheimer will not bear all the responsibility, as he will not have a four-time Pro Bowl player, who recorded at least 12 sacks in each of his four seasons and was a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year finalist. During training camp in Oxnard, California, and as the situation between Parsons and the Cowboys’ management dragged on, Schottenheimer was asked if he felt he was in the middle of the situation.
Jerry Jones views the Parsons trade as the next step in his team restructuring process, which began with the hiring of Schottenheimer in January. Schottenheimer made an effort to build a relationship with Parsons, communicating with him as much as possible during the offseason. During the first two days of the offseason program, which included a crab feast and a paintball game for the team, Parsons was present. He attended the mandatory minicamp in June, but did not participate, citing back discomfort. He showed up at training camp, again mentioning back pain on the first day, but never practiced. He participated in drills and meetings. Small details began to surface publicly. Parsons didn’t wear his number 11 jersey at a training session. Another day, he didn’t wear sneakers. On another occasion, he simply put the jersey around his neck. Before the last preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons, Parsons was eating nachos while walking through the AT&T Stadium hallway towards the locker room. He was the only player who didn’t wear his jersey on the sideline. As the third quarter began, he was lying on a medical stretcher behind the bench while the offense advanced down the field. It was as if he were testing limits. Two days after the game, Schottenheimer had a meeting with Parsons. Schottenheimer did not reveal the details of the conversation, but several sources indicated that Parsons’ behavior had begun to bother several players. It’s not the first time his teammates have been irritated over the years. Some didn’t like what they perceived as a lack of commitment in training sessions at times. Others were annoyed when Parsons didn’t include Dak Prescott among the best quarterbacks in the league on his podcast. Parsons’ production in the field always surpassed the problems outside of it. But for Schottenheimer, the trade frees him from the constant questions about Parsons’ availability and the possibility of a distraction. In a way, his job could have become easier.No, because I am in communication with everyone. I speak with the players all the time. I speak with the ownership all the time. Stephen and Jerry and I speak all the time, Will McClay.
Brian Schottenheimer
